Why switch to a local bank? Managing editor of Kiplinger Robert Long explains why he prefers smaller local banks:

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My local bank recently got acquired, and it's already starting to act like a big bank even before they change the letterhead or the signage outside each branch. I just suffered through a week-long customer-service nightmare filled with egregious bank errors (accidentally closing down my wife's debit card), contradictory statements made by different representatives, failure to deliver (still!) a replacement card promised within 3-5 business days, proposed fees for actions necessary to resolve the bank's own errors, and a general unwillingness by any of a half-dozen representative and managers to pursue solutions on our behalf.

Often, consumers head straight to mega-banks they've heard of, but if you want to switch to a more personal, local bank, you may not have even heard of any. The Independent Community Bankers of America web site will help you search for local banks, and the Credit Union National Association will help you look for local credit unions. Long used these tools to find several local banks he'd never heard of. You'll also want to try CheckingFinder to compare between community banks for the best perks.

You've got several factors to consider in the process of opening a checking account, and often …
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Step two involves making sure your money is secure at said banks. For this information, you'll want to check with money and government sites like the FDIC, BankRate, and the Move Your Money campaign. The Move Your Money web site lets you search for local banks scoring a "B" or higher in ratings.

Obviously, you'll want to compare interest rates and policies before you make your final decision, and check out the full post at Kiplinger for more advice. Got any tips, pros or cons, of going local instead of going with a big chain bank? Sound off in the comments below.